Gladiators win comfortably 61-40

Bryant Kizer |
7/10/2014, 9:11 a.m.

Here is something that the Cleveland Gladiators have not done for a while, win by a big margin – 21.

The Gladiators beat visiting Portland Thunder 61-40 and remain unbeaten (8-0) at the Quicken Loans Arena with one home game left.

The Gladiators are also nearing the American Conference East Division title and home-field advantage throughout the AC playoffs. The Gladiators (14-1) lead Pittsburgh Power, who has won nine in a row, (12-3) by two games, with three games remaining. The Gladiators take on hosting San Antonio Talons (1-14) this Saturday.

Shane Austin threw six touchdown passes. He was 16-for-23 for 221 yards. Dominick Goodman caught a season-high five touchdowns.

Although, both teams went back-and-fourth, the Gladiators finally got some space by outscoring the Thunder (4-11)28-6.

The Gladiators made head coach Steve Thonn heart pump faster with close victories like 52-50, 45-42, and two last play victories over Philadelphia.

“It is nice to finally get some breathing room. Getting a 14 point lead helped us breathe a little easy,” said Goodman.

Even with the high-score, there were a boat load of penalties. The Thunder had 20 for 143 yards and the Gladiators had 13 for 90.

For the Thunder, Darron Thomas threw for 297 yards and five touchdowns, but he was picked off four times.

Next for Gladiators…The Gladiators on the road to San Antonio to take on the Talons.

The Gladiators will close out the regular season home schedule against the Jacksonville Sharks (6-9) on July 19.